Hand-launchable fluid-boosted toy vehicle

ABSTRACT

A toy vehicle is provided for launching comprising a body with a chamber. The chamber has an opening. The chamber releasably holds a power source (e.g., fluid) under pressure. A covering mechanism is disposed adjacent the chamber, and is biased to a first position to cover the opening. The covering mechanism is movable to a second position for allowing the power source (e.g., fluid) to be propelled through the opening. The toy vehicle has an actuator disposed adjacent the covering mechanism operable for movement between a starting position and an actuating position. In the starting position, the actuator allows the covering mechanism to remain in the first position. In the actuating position, the actuator moves the covering mechanism to the second position. The toy vehicle has a delay mechanism operatively coupled to the actuator configured to move the actuator to the actuating position after a delay or an interval.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/728,467, filed Oct. 19, 2005, and entitled“Hand-Launchable Fluid-Boosted Toy Vehicle”; U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/733,043, filed Nov. 2, 2005, and entitled“Hand-Launchable Fluid-Boosted Toy Vehicle”; U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/775,885, filed Feb. 22, 2006, and entitled“Hand-Launchable Fluid-Boosted Toy Vehicle”; and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/778,231, filed Mar. 1, 2006, and entitled“Hand-Launchable Toy Car”; all of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to fluid-boosted toys, and moreparticularly to hand-launchable fluid-boosted toy vehicles, such asballs, rockets, double-rockets, darts, airplanes, double-airplanes,cars, or wheels.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Examples of known launchable toy articles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.3,936,053, U.S. Pat. No. 4,213,268, U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,587, U.S. Pat.No. 4,710,146, U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,569, U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,641, U.S.Pat. No. 5,653,216, U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,623, U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,042,and U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,414, and published patent applicationUS20040040551. The disclosures of all of these patents and publicationsare incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a hand-launchable fluid-boosted toyvehicle. The toy vehicle may take the form of a ball, a rocket, adouble-rocket, a dart, an airplane, a double-airplane, a car, or awheel. A launchable toy vehicle may be configured to have two powersources. The first power source may launch the toy vehicle a certaindistance using a hand-held launching device, an elastomeric band, or bybeing thrown. The second power source may use a propulsion booster,which includes a delay mechanism, from the release of pressurized fluidcontained within the toy vehicle. The propulsion boost may occur after adelay or an interval. The delay or interval may be after a launch andwhile the toy vehicle is moving or is in flight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of a toy vehicle forlaunching according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a launchable body of a toy vehicle forlaunching according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a partially cutaway side view of a launchable body of a toyvehicle for launching according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are partially cutaway side views of a launchable body anda launcher of a toy vehicle for launching according to the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are partially cutaway side views of a launchable body of atoy vehicle for launching according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of a wheeled toyvehicle according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a launchable body of a wheeled toy vehicleaccording to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 are partially cutaway side views of internalcomponents of a launchable body of a wheeled toy vehicle according tothe present disclosure.

FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 are partially cutaway side views of internalcomponents of a launchable body of a wheeled toy vehicle according tothe present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a launchable body of a wheeled toy vehicleaccording to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

A launchable toy vehicle may be configured to have two power sources.The first power source may launch the toy vehicle a certain distanceusing a hand-held launching device, an elastomeric band, or by beingthrown. The second power source may provide the toy vehicle a propulsionboost from the release of pressurized fluid contained within the toyvehicle. The fluid may be any liquid (e.g., water), any gas (e.g., air),or any combination of liquid and gas. The propulsion boost may occurafter a delay. The delay may be after a launch and while the toy vehicleis moving or is in flight. The toy vehicle may take any form, such as arocket, an airplane, a car, or a ball, and may be accordingly configuredas such.

FIGS. 1 through 6 show an illustrated embodiment of a toy vehicle,indicated generally at 10, for launching. Toy vehicle 10 may include alaunchable body 12, a launcher 14, and a slingshot 16. Launchable body12 may include an internal reservoir or chamber 18 for holding a fluidF, a covering mechanism 20, an actuator 22 such as a rod or a plunger, adelay mechanism 24, and a first holding member 26 (e.g., a hook orlatch).

Launchable body 12 may be shaped like a rocket. Launchable body 12 mayhave a protective nose 30 and fins 32 to aid in flight. Launchable body12 may have four fins 32. Fins 32 may be permanently or removablyattached to launchable body 12. If removable, launchable body 12 mayinclude fin receivers 34 fitted to hold fins 32 in place mechanically,frictionally, or by any other means. In some embodiments, launchablebody 12 may be shaped like an airplane with wings and a tail, or shapedlike a car with wheels, or may be shaped as desired.

Now turning to FIG. 2, chamber 18 is shown with an opening 36. Chamber18 may have a single compartment. Chamber 18 may also have a firstcompartment 38 in fluid communication with opening 36 and a secondcompartment 40 in fluid communication with first compartment 38 at apassage 41 having an aperture 42. Passage 41 may allow a fluid F₁ (e.g.,water) and a fluid F₂ (e.g., air) to pass between first compartment 38and second compartment 40. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A, fluid F may passthrough passage 41 and through aperture 42.

Aperture 42 may be configured so that first compartment 38 maysubstantially hold a first pressurized fluid F₁ (e.g., water) whilesecond compartment 40 may substantially hold a second pressurized fluidF₂ (e.g., air). When aperture 42 is positioned higher than opening 36,as in FIGS. 1 and 2, first compartment 38 may substantially holdpressurized water while second compartment 40 may substantially holdpressurized air. FIG. 1 shows an illustrative embodiment where aperture42 is positioned higher than opening 36 when the launchable body 12 isheld in a position for launch. FIG. 2 shows an illustrative embodimentwhere aperture 42 is positioned higher than opening 36 when launchablebody 12 is positioned horizontally relative to the ground or a surface.

In some embodiments, chamber 18 may be configured to maximize thepropulsive release of pressurized fluid F through opening 36. FIG. 6shows a configuration for releasing pressurized fluid F from chamber 18.Pressurized fluid F₂ may flow from second compartment 40, as shown byarrow X, through aperture 41 toward opening 36, creating a force. Theforce of pressurized fluid F₂ may cause substantially all of pressurizedfluid F₁ in first compartment 38 to propel through opening 36 within aminimized time interval. The force of pressurized fluid F₂ may forcesubstantially all of pressurized fluid F₁ through opening 36 beforesubstantially all of fluid F₂ releases through opening 36. When aperture42 is positioned higher than opening 36, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,the force of pressurized air from second compartment 40 may causesubstantially all of pressurized water in first compartment 38 to propelthrough opening 36 within a minimized time interval.

In some embodiments, first compartment 38 may have a volume V_(a) andsecond compartment 40 may have a volume V_(b). Volume V_(b) may belarger than volume V_(a). Volume V_(b) may be larger than volume V_(a)to maximize the propulsion of pressurized fluid F through opening 36.Volume V_(b) may be larger than volume V_(a) to maximize the force ofpressurized air from second chamber 40 through aperture 42 onpressurized water in first chamber 38 when fluid F is being releasedthrough opening 36.

Second compartment 40 may have a fill line 43 indicating, whenlaunchable body 12 is in a nose-down position, the amount of fluid insecond compartment 40 that corresponds to the amount of fluid volumeV_(a) of first compartment 38.

Covering mechanism 20 may be fitted to cover or seal opening 36 whilechamber 18 contains pressurized fluid F, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.Covering mechanism 20 may be operably movable to a position for allowingthe release of pressurized fluid F from opening 36, as shown in FIG. 6.In some embodiments, covering mechanism 20 may include a cork or plug44, a lever 46, and a lever biasing mechanism 48 (e.g., a coil or otherspring).

Plug 44 may have a fluid inlet valve 50, a plug chamber 51, a firstgasket 52 for creating a seal with opening 36, a second gasket 54 forcreating a seal with launcher 14, and an arm 56. Fluid inlet valve 50may be disposed in plug chamber 51 so that fluid can be inserted throughplug chamber 51 into chamber 18 while plug 44 is covering chamber 18.Fluid inlet valve 50 may allow fluid F to pass through closed plug 44into chamber 18 and prevent fluid F from flowing in the oppositedirection.

Arm 56 may be operatively connected to launchable body 12 so that plug44 may rotate away from opening 36 while remaining attached tolaunchable body 12. In some embodiments, arm 56 may be connected tolaunchable body 12 in a slider slot so that plug 44 may first slideoutward relative to opening 36 and then rotate away from opening 36while remaining attached to launchable body 12.

Lever 46 may have a wheel 58 mounted on lever 56. Lever wheel 58 may beconfigured to rotatably move on lever 46. Lever wheel 58 may rotate whenplug 44 contacts lever 46. Lever wheel 58 may aid plug 44 in releasingaway from lever 46.

Covering mechanism 20 may have at least a first (or un-activated)position, and be movable to a second (or activated) position. In thefirst position, as shown in FIG. 2, covering mechanism 20 may be biasedto cover opening 36 to prevent the release of pressurized fluid Fthrough opening 36. In some embodiments, lever biasing mechanism 48 mayurge lever 46 towards holding plug 44 in opening 36, thereby preventingrelease of pressurized fluid F through opening 36.

In the second position, as shown in FIG. 6, covering mechanism 20 may bepositioned to allow fluid F to be propelled from chamber 18 throughopening 36. In some embodiments, lever 46 may release or disengage fromplug 44 against the urging of lever biasing mechanism 48. Plug 44 may bereleased from opening 36 to allow pressurized fluid F to be propelledthrough opening 36.

Actuator 22 may be operable to move covering mechanism 20 to the second(or activated) position. Actuator 22 may be operable for movementbetween a starting position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and an actuatingposition, as shown in FIG. 6. Actuator 22 may move between at least oneintermediate position, as shown in FIG. 5. Actuator 22 may be operableto move translationally. Actuator 22 may be configured to move rotatablyor in any way desired. In some embodiments, actuator 22 may have anactuator biasing mechanism 60 (e.g., a spring). Actuator 22 may includea rack or teeth 62 configured to slidingly mate with delay mechanism 24,as detailed below.

In a starting position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, actuator 22 may bepositioned so that covering mechanism 20 is in the first (orun-activated) position. In a starting position, actuator 22 may bepositioned so that actuator biasing mechanism 60 is compressed or coiledto urge or bias actuator 22 to move towards the actuating position. In astarting position, actuator 22 may be depressed into launchable body 12so that actuator biasing mechanism 60 is compressed or coiled to urge orbias actuator 22 to move towards the actuating position. In a startingposition, actuator 22 may be out of contact with lever 46. In a startingposition, the movement of actuator 22 may be controlled by delaymechanism 24 against the urging of actuator biasing mechanism 60.

In the intermediate position, as shown in FIG. 5, actuator biasingmechanism 60 may urge actuator 22 to move actuator 22 towards theactuating position. In the intermediate position, actuator biasingmechanism 60 may urge or bias actuator 22 to move to a position awayfrom a starting position towards the actuating position. In theintermediate position, covering mechanism 20 may remain in the secondposition. In the intermediate position, the movement of actuator 22 maybe controlled by delay mechanism 24 against the urging of actuatorbiasing mechanism 60.

In the actuating position, as shown in FIG. 6, actuator biasingmechanism 60 may urge or bias actuator 22 to move covering mechanism 20to the second position. In the actuating position, actuator 22 may movelever 46 to the second position. In the actuating position, actuator 22may be disengaged from delay mechanism 24 and moving under the urging ofactuator biasing mechanism 60. Actuator 22 may move at a faster ratewhen not controlled by delay mechanism 24 relative to the rate at whichactuator 22 may move under the control of biasing mechanism 24.

Delay mechanism 24 may be configured to control the movement of actuator22 so that actuator 22 does not reach the actuating position until aftera delay or an interval. Delay mechanism 24 may be configured to moveactuator 22 from a starting position to the actuating position under adelay. The delay from when actuator 22 moves from a starting position tothe actuating position may occur after launchable body 12 is launched.The delay may be selected so that the propulsion boost occurs whilelaunchable body 12 remains moving or in flight. Delay mechanism 24 maycause actuator 22 to release each time actuator 22 is depressed intolaunchable body 12 at a fairly or substantially constant speed or rateso that actuator 22 each time extends back out at relatively the sametime from launchable body 12. Delay mechanism 24 may create a tension ora resistance force against the urging of actuator biasing mechanism 60as actuator 22 moves from a starting position towards the actuatingposition. Again as best shown in FIG. 6, delay mechanism 24 may beconfigured to no longer control the movement of actuator 22 at someposition or interval before the actuating position.

In some embodiments, delay mechanism 24 may have a dampener 64 tocontrol the movement of actuator 22. Dampener 64 may be configured tocreate a tension or a resistive force against the biasing or urging ofactuator biasing mechanism 60 as actuator 22 moves. Dampener 64 maycause actuator 22 to move at a fairly or substantially constant rate.

In some embodiments, dampener 64 may include a pinion or wheel 66, anaxle 68, and gearbox 70. Pinion 66 may be coupled to slidingly engagewith rack 62 of actuator 22. Pinion 66 may be coupled to axle 68 torotate as the gears in gearbox 70 rotate. Gearbox 70 may be configuredto create a tension or resistive force against the urging of actuatorbiasing mechanism 60 as actuator 22 moves. Gearbox 70 may be configuredto create a resistive force or tension, and any configuration that maycause a delay is suitable. Gearbox 70 may cause pinion 66 to rotate onaxle 68 at a fairly or substantially constant speed or rate causingactuator 22 to move towards the actuating position at a fairly orsubstantially constant speed or rate. At some position or intervalbefore the actuating position, pinion 66 may disengage from rack 62 sothat actuator 22 may move towards the actuating position under theurging of actuator biasing mechanism 60, as shown in FIG. 6.

Launcher 14 may include a mounting track 72, a pump 74, and a launchmechanism 76. Pump 74 may include a fluid chamber 77 with a fluid outlet78, a plunger 80, and a pressure check valve 82. Fluid outlet 78 isalignable with fluid inlet valve 50 for pressurizing fluid F inlaunchable body 12. Pressure check valve 82 may be configured to releaseair from pump 74 when chamber 18 is suitably pressurized. Pressure checkvalve 82 may be configured to signal when chamber 18 is suitablypressurized, such as by whistling or making a sound. Any suitable pumpfor pressurizing fluid F in a chamber may be used.

FIG. 3 shows that launch mechanism 76 may include a trigger or fingerpull 84, a trigger bias 86 (e.g., a coil or other spring), and a stop88. Trigger bias 86 normally biases trigger 84 to engage and hold asecond holding member 89 mounted on launchable body 12. Stop 88 may bepositioned to hold actuator 22 of launchable body 12 in a startingposition when launchable body 12 is operatively coupled to launcher 14.

FIG. 4 shows that trigger 84 may be pulled against trigger bias 86 todisengage trigger 84 from second holding member 28. Launchable body 12may be released from launcher 14 when trigger 84 is disengaged fromsecond holding member 28. Launchable body 12 may be released fromlauncher 14 when trigger 84 is disengaged from second holding member 28by slingshot 16.

Returning to FIG. 1, slingshot 16 includes a sling housing 90, a slingarm 92, and an elastomeric or rubber band 94. Sling housing 90 mayinclude a shield to protect the user (e.g., the user's hand) duringlaunch. Sling arm 92 may have a first end pivotally connected to slinghousing 90, and a second end operatively connected to elastomeric band94. The pivotal motion of sling arm 92 on sling housing 90, as depictedin dashed lines in FIG. 1, may aid the launch of launchable body 12 intoflight. Elastomeric band 94 may be configured to be releasably attachedto first holding member 26 and to be stretched to create tension forlaunching launchable body 12 away from launcher 14. Elastomeric band 94may be any stretchable or tension-creating material.

The following paragraphs describe an illustrative method of using toyvehicle 10 for launching. Launchable body 12 may be filled with waterthrough opening 36 into chamber 18, e.g., up to fill line 43. Actuator22 may be set to a starting position. Covering mechanism 20 may be inthe first (non-activating) position, thereby holding fluid F in chamber18 and allowing pressure to build in chamber 18 until release.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, launchable body 12 may be mounted tolauncher 14 so that stop 88 stops actuator 22 in a starting position,covering mechanism 20 is in the first position, and fluid outlet 78 isaligned with fluid inlet valve 50. By moving plunger 80 in and out ofpump 74, in a reciprocating motion like that of a common tire pump, airmay be pushed out of fluid outlet 78 through fluid inlet valve 50 andinto chamber 18, thereby pressurizing fluid F in chamber 18. Launchablebody 12 may be positioned for launch so that the pressurized watersubstantially settles and substantially remains in first compartment 38and pressurized air substantially remains in second compartment 40.

Slingshot 16 may be coupled to first holding member 26 of launchablebody 12 and elastomeric band 94 may be stretched to a predeterminedlength to create tension. Launchable body 12 may then be launched fromlauncher 14 by slingshot 16, as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows trigger 84 being squeezed and launchable body 12 releasingfrom launcher 14 under the tension of elastomeric band 94. Coveringmechanism 20 remains in the first position in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 shows that actuator biasing mechanism 60 may urge actuator 22 tomove actuator 22 toward the actuating position. Covering mechanism 20may remain in the second position during some interval or delay whileactuator 22 is being urged to the actuating position. Delay mechanism 24may control the movement of actuator 22 so that actuator 22 does notreach the actuating position until after the launch. Delay mechanism 24may control actuator 22 to move to the actuating position at some delayor interval when launchable body 22 is moving or is in flight.

FIG. 6 shows actuator 22 reaching the actuating position under theurging of actuator biasing mechanism 60. Acutator 22 may reach theactuating position while lanchable toy 12 is moving or is in flight. Atthe actuating position, actuator 22 may move covering mechanism 20 tothe second position. Delay mechanism 24 may disengage from actuator 22at some interval after actuator 22 has left a starting position. Delaymechanism 24 may disengage from actuator 22 at some interval beforeactuator 22 reaches the actuating position.

When covering mechanism 20 is in the second position, pressurized fluidF in reservoir 20 may propel through opening 36, providing launchablebody 12 with a propulsion boost. Substantially all of the pressurizedwater contained in first compartment 38 may propel out of opening 36within a minimized time interval and/or before substantially all of thepressurized gas is propelled out of opening 36 to provide a propulsionboost.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 7 through 15, showing a toy vehicle,indicated generally at 110, for launching. FIG. 7 shows that toy vehicle110 may comprise a wheeled launchable body 112, a pump 114, and a rampsystem 116. Launchable body 112 may be shaped like a car with a set offront wheels 118 mounted to a front axle 120, a set of back wheels 122mounted to a back axle 124, and a pump receiver 125. Launchable body 112may also be configured to release pressurized fluid F, as shown indashed lines in FIG. 7. The release of pressurized fluid F may provide apropulsion boost to launchable body 112.

Turning to FIG. 8, launchable body 112 may include a reservoir orchamber 126, for holding fluid F, with an opening 128. Opening 128 maybe sealed or covered with a covering mechanism 130.

Chamber 126 may have a single compartment. Chamber 126 may also have afirst compartment 132 in fluid communication with opening 128 and asecond compartment 134 in fluid communication with first compartment 132at a passage 135 having an aperture 136. Passage 135 may allow a fluidF₁ (e.g., water) and a fluid F₂ (e.g., air) to pass between firstcompartment 132 and second compartment 134. Chamber 126 may configuredto operate similarly to chamber 18 of toy vehicle 10.

Aperture 136 may be configured so that first compartment 132 maysubstantially hold a first pressurized fluid F₁ (e.g., water) whilesecond compartment 134 may substantially hold a second pressurized fluidF₂ (e.g., air). When aperture 136 is positioned higher than opening 128,as in FIGS. 7 and 8, first compartment 132 may substantially holdpressurized water while second compartment 134 may substantially holdpressurized air. FIGS. 7 and 8 show an illustrative embodiment whereaperture 136 is positioned higher than opening 128 when launchable body112 is positioned horizontally relative to the ground or a surface.

In some embodiments, chamber 126 may be configured to maximize thepropulsive release of pressurized fluid F through opening 128. Thedashed lines in FIG. 7 depict a configuration for releasing pressurizedfluid F from chamber 126. Pressurized fluid F₂ may flow from secondcompartment 134 through aperture 136 toward opening 128, creating aforce. The force of pressurized fluid F₂ may cause substantially all ofpressurized fluid F₁ in first compartment 132 to propel through opening128 within a minimized time interval. The force of pressurized fluid F₂may force substantially all of pressurized fluid F₁ through opening 36before substantially all of fluid F₂ releases through opening 36. Whenaperture 136 is positioned higher than opening 128, the force ofpressurized air from second compartment 134 may cause substantially allof pressurized water in first compartment 132 to propel through opening128 within a minimized time interval.

In some embodiments, first compartment 132 may have a volume V_(a) andsecond compartment 134 may have a volume V_(b). Volume V_(b) may belarger than volume V_(a). Volume V_(b) may be larger than volume V_(a)to maximize the propulsion of pressurized fluid F through opening 128.Volume V_(b) may be larger than volume V_(a) to maximize the force ofpressurized air from second chamber 134 through aperture 136 onpressurized water in first chamber 132 when fluid F is being releasedthrough opening 128.

Second compartment 134 may have a fill line 138 indicating, whenlaunchable body 112 is in a nose-down position, the amount of fluid insecond compartment 134 that corresponds to the amount of fluid volumeV_(a) of first compartment 132.

In some embodiments, chamber 126 may have a pressure check valve 139configured to release fluid when chamber 126 has reached a suitablepressure level.

Covering mechanism 130 may be fitted to cover or seal opening 128 whilechamber 126 contains pressurized fluid F, as shown in solid lines inFIG. 7. Covering mechanism 130 may be operably movable to a positionallowing the release of pressurized fluid F from opening 128, as show indashed lines in FIG. 7.

Now referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, covering mechanism 130 may include acork or plug 140, a lever 142 with a wheel 144 mounted on lever 142, anda lever biasing mechanism 146 (e.g., a coil or other spring). Plug 140may have a fluid inlet valve 148 disposed within a fluid chamber 149, afirst gasket 150 for creating a seal with opening 128, a second gasket152 for creating a seal with pump 114, and an arm 154. Fluid inlet valve148 may allow fluid F to pass through closed plug 140 into chamber 127and prevent fluid F from flowing in the opposite direction. Plug 140 maybe configured similarly to plug 44 on toy vehicle 10.

Covering mechanism 130 may have at least a first (or un-activated)position, and a second (or activated) position. Covering mechanism 130may be configured like covering mechanism 20 on toy vehicle 10. In thefirst position, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, covering mechanism 130may be biased to cover opening 128 to prevent the release of pressurizedfluid F through opening 128. In some embodiments, lever biasingmechanism 146 may urge lever 142 towards holding plug 140 in opening128, thereby preventing release of pressurized fluid F through opening128.

In the second position, as shown in FIG. 11, covering mechanism 130 maybe positioned to allow fluid F to be propelled from chamber 126 throughopening 128. In some embodiments, lever 142 may release or disengagefrom plug 140 against the urging of lever biasing mechanism 146. Plug140 may be released from opening 128 to allow pressurized fluid F to bepropelled through opening 128.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, launchable body 112 may further include anactuator 156 such as a wheel, a delay mechanism 158, and an actuatorsetter 160. Actuator 156 may be operable to move covering mechanism 130to the second (or activated) position. Actuator 156 may be operablymovable in response to the movement of the vehicle. Actuator 156 mayinclude teeth 162 disposed along the rim of actuator 156, a leverengager 164, and a setter stopper 166. Actuator 156 may be shaped like awheel driven by a worm gear 168. Lever engager 164 may be shaped like awedge configured to engage and move lever 142 to the second position.Setter stopper 166 may be configured to interact with actuator setter160, as described below.

Actuator 156 has at least one starting position and an actuatingposition. In a starting position, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, actuator156 may be positioned so that covering mechanism 130 is in the firstposition. In a starting position, lever engager 164 may be positioned sothat lever 142 remains biased towards holding plug 140 in opening 128,thereby preventing release of pressurized fluid F. In a startingposition, lever engager 164 may be out of contact with lever 142.

In the actuating position, as shown in FIG. 11, actuator 156 may movecovering mechanism 130 to the second position. In the actuatingposition, lever engager 164 may move lever 142 so that lever 142releases from plug 140 allowing fluid F to propel out of opening 128. Inthe actuating position, lever engager 164 may be in contact with lever142.

Delay (or timer) mechanism 158 may be operatively coupled to actuator156 to control the movement of actuator 156. Delay mechanism 158 may beconfigured to move actuator 156 in response to the movement of toyvehicle 110. Delay mechanism 158 may be configured to move as thevehicle wheels, e.g., back wheels 122, rotate. Delay mechanism 158 maybe configured to control the movement of actuator 156 so that actuator156 does not reach the actuating position until after an interval or adelay. The interval or delay from when actuator 156 moves from astarting position to the actuating position may occur while launchablebody 112 is moving.

Again referring to FIG. 9, delay mechanism 158 may include an actuatorengager 168, such as a worm gear, and a ratchet system 170. Actuatorengager 168 may be configured to move with back wheels 122 on back axle124. Actuator engager 168 may be mounted to back axle 124. Actuatorengager 168 may be operatively coupled with actuator 156. Actuatorengager 168 may include worm (or spiral-like teeth) 172 operativelycoupled with actuator 156. Actuator engager 168 may be configured tomove actuator 156 by using a worm gear-worm wheel configuration.

In some embodiments, actuator 156 may move about a substantiallyvertical axis as actuator engager 168 rotates about a substantiallyhorizontal axis. Actuator engager 168 may rotate about a substantiallyhorizontal axis as back wheels 124 rotate about a substantiallyhorizontal axis. Actuator engager 168 may be configured to rotate aboutback axle 124 in the same direction as back axle 124 is rotating, or inthe opposite direction as back axle 124 is rotating. Other suitableorientations of these axes may be used.

Now turning to FIG. 12, ratchet system 170 may be configured so thatactuator engager 168 may rotate in one direction about back axle 124.Ratchet system 170 may be configured to allow actuator 156 to move tothe actuating position as back axle 124 rotates in a forward directionFD. Ratchet system 170 may be configured so that actuator 156 does notmove or rotate with back axle 124 as back axle 124 rotates in a reversedirection RD.

Ratchet system 170 may include a ratchet 174 mounted to back axle 124.

Ratchet 174 may have first angled teeth 176 operatively coupled tosecond angled teeth 178. Second angled teeth 178 may be mounted toactuator engager 168. Ratchet 174 may further have a ratchet biasingmechanism 180 (e.g., a coil or other spring) urging first angled teeth176 to couple with second angled teeth 178. Ratchet 174 may be mountedto rotate as back axle 124 rotates. Ratchet 174 may be mounted to alwaysrotate with back axle 124. Ratchet 174 may be mounted to always rotatein the same direction as back axle 124 rotates.

First angled teeth 176 may be operatively coupled to second angled teeth178 to function like a ratchet, or any other suitable arrangement, torestrict motion or rotatable movement in one direction. In someembodiments, first angled teeth 176 and second angled teeth 178 may beconfigured so actuator engager 168 rotates with back axle 124 aslaunchable body 112 moves in forward direction FD. First angled teeth176 and second angled teeth 178 may be configured so actuator engager168 does not rotate with back axle 124 as launchable body 112 moves inrearward direction RD. As back wheels 122 and back axle 124 rotate inrearward direction RD, angled teeth 176 and angled teeth 178 maydisengage against the urging of ratchet biasing mechanism 180. In thismanner, ratchet system 170 may function like a ratchet, causing actuator156 not to rotate with back axle 124 as launchable body 112 moves inrearward direction RD.

Now turning to FIG. 12, actuator setter 160 may allow actuator 156 to beset to a predetermined starting position away from the actuatingposition. Actuator setter 160 may include a setter tab 182, at least oneaxle biasing mechanism 184 (e.g., spring), and a setter biasingmechanism 186 (e.g., a coil or other spring).

Setter tab 182 may be set to a predetermined starting position foractuator 156. Setter tab 182 may be a tab that is configured to stopstopper 166 on actuator 156 from rotating past setter tab 182.

Setter biasing mechanism 186 may be operatively coupled to actuator 156to urge actuator 156 towards a predetermined starting position. In someembodiments, setter biasing mechanism 186 may urge actuator 156 torotate counterclockwise about a substantially vertical axis towards apredetermined starting position. Stopper 166 on actuator 156 may comeinto contact with setter tab 182 of actuator setter 160 under the biasof setter biasing mechanism 186 at a predetermined starting position.Stopper 166 may hold or stop actuator 156 in a predetermined startingposition against the urging of setter biasing mechanism 186. In someembodiments, actuator engager 168 may be out of contact with actuator156 for setter biasing mechanism 186 to urge actuator 156 towards apredetermined starting position. In some embodiments, when actuatorengager 168 is operatively coupled to actuator 156, setter biasingmechanism 186 may be prevented from urging actuator 156 towards apredetermined starting position.

To set actuator 156 to a predetermined position, setter tab 182 may berotated. In some embodiments, actuator engager 168 may be out of contactwith actuator 156 for setter tab 182 to set actuator 156 in apredetermined starting position. In some embodiments, when actuatorengager 168 is operatively coupled to actuator 156, setter tab 182 maybe prevented from being set to a predetermined starting position.

As setter tab 182 rotates, actuator 156 may rotate. In turn, as actuator156 rotates, lever engager 168 may rotate closer to or further fromlever 142. Setter tab 182 may be used to move lever engager 164 closerto or further from the actuating position. In some embodiments, settertab 182 may be rotated on a substantially vertical axis in a clockwisedirection or a counterclockwise direction. Rotating setter tab 182 in aclockwise direction may increase the interval or delay for actuator 156between the predetermined starting position and the actuating position.Rotating setter tab 182 in a counterclockwise direction may decrease theinterval or delay for actuator 156 between the predetermined staringposition and the actuating position. Other suitable orientations ofthese axes and directions may be used.

While setter tab 182 is moved to set actuator 156 to a predeterminedstarting position, actuator engager 168 may be out of contact withactuator 156. As shown in FIG. 13, axle biasing mechanism 184 may urgeback axle 124 and actuator engager 168 out of contact with actuator 156.When actuator engager 168 is out of contact with actuator 156, setterbiasing mechanism 186 may urge actuator 156 towards the predeterminedstarting position. Setter tab 182 may be moved to a predeterminedstarting position when actuator engager 168 is out of contact withactuator 156.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 13, axle biasing mechanism 184 may urgeback axle 124 out of contact with actuator 156 when launchable body 112is out of contact with a surface or the ground. Axle biasing mechanism184 may urge back axle 124 out of contact with actuator 156 when backwheels 122 are out of contact with a surface or the ground, as depictedin dashed lines in FIG. 8. When back wheels 22 are out of contact with asurface or the ground, setter biasing mechanism 186 may urge actuator156 towards a predetermined starting position. When back wheels 22 areout of contact with a surface or the ground, actuator setter 160 may setactuator 156 to a predetermined starting position.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 15, axle biasing mechanism 184 may urgeback axle 124 out of contact with actuator 156 when launchable body 112is turned over. Setter biasing mechanism 186 may urge actuator 156towards a predetermined starting position while launchable body 112 isturned over. Setter tab 182 may be set while launchable body 112 isturned over.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 14, back axle 124 and actuator engager 168are shown operatively engaged to actuator 156. The weight of launchablebody 112 may overcome the urging of axle biasing mechanism 184 when backwheels 122 are in contact with a surface or the ground, as shown insolid lines in FIG. 8. When launchable body 112 is in contact with asurface or the ground, actuator engager 168 may be operatively engagedto actuator 156. Actuator 156 may be operably moved from to theactuating position when actuator engager 168 is in contact with actuator156. Actuator 156 may be moved to the actuating position when backwheels 124 are in contact with the surface. Actuator setter 160 mayallow actuator 156 to move towards the actuator position as back wheels122 rotate.

In some embodiments, setter tab 182 may be set to hold actuator 156 atone of multiple predetermined starting positions. Now referring to FIG.15, actuator setter 160 may further include a holder cover 188 with aslit 190, notches 192, and indicia 194. Slit 190 may be curved and maybe fittably sized for setter tab 182 to fit and rotate in slit 190.Notches 192 may be configured to hold setter tab 182 by frictionalforce, mechanical force, or by any other means. Each notch 192 may befitted to hold setter tab 182 at a different interval. Each differentinterval may indicate a different predetermined starting position foractuator 156. Each different interval may indicate a different intervalof movement of launchable body 112, or delay, before actuator 156reaches the actuating position. Indicia 194 may indicate the relativeinterval or delay between the predetermined starting position and theactuating position corresponding to each notch 192.

In some embodiments, FIG. 9 may depict actuator 156 set at a firstpredetermined location. In some embodiments, FIG. 10 may depict showactuator 156 set at a second predetermined location.

Returning to FIG. 7, pump 114 may incorporate a trigger 196, a fluidchamber 197 with a fluid outlet 198 and a plunger 200. Pump 114 may beused to pressurize fluid F in chamber 126. Trigger 196 may releasablyengage with pump receiver 125. Plunger 200 may be moved up and down, asindicated by the arrows in FIG. 7, to pump fluid (e.g., air) out outlet198 through fluid inlet valve 148 into chamber 126. Fluid inlet valvemay restrict fluid F to flow only from pump 114 to chamber 126. Anysuitable pump configuration for pressurizing fluid may be used.

Ramp system 116 may include a ramp 202, a base 204, and a trick piece206. Ramp 202 may be attached to base 204 in a plurality of positions,as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 7. The different attachment positionsmay allow a user to adjust ramp 202 to the desired angle and steepnessrelative to base 204. Trick piece 206 may be placed on ramp 202 atvarious positions. Other accessories can also be included with wheeledtoy vehicle system 110, such as decals, toy vehicle tracks, or any otherdesired accessory.

The following paragraphs describe an illustrative method of using toyvehicle 110. Launchable body 112 may be filled with water throughopening 128 into chamber 126. Water may be added, e.g., when launchablebody 112 is positioned nose-down, up to fill line 138. Actuator 156 maybe set to a starting position. Covering mechanism 130 may be set to thefirst position, thereby holding water in chamber 126 and allowingpressure to build in chamber 126 until release. Opening 128 may besealed or covered with plug 140. Lever biasing mechanism 146 may urgelever 142 towards holding plug 140 to cover or seal opening 128.

Launchable body 112 may be turned over, as in FIG. 15. Becauselaunchable body 112 is turned over, delay mechanism 158 may be urged byaxle biasing mechanism 184 to disengage from actuator 156. Setter tab182 may be rotated to any notch 192 to set actuator setter 160 andactuator 156 to a predetermined starting position. Setter tab 182 may berotated to any notch 192 to set a delay interval between a startingposition and the actuating position for actuator 156.

Launchable body 112 may be flipped upright, as in FIG. 7, and releasablymounted to pump 114 to pressurize the water in chamber 126 with air.Launchable body 112 may be disengaged from pump 114. Launchable body 112may be positioned, e.g., nose-up, before launch to ensure the water issubstantially transferred from second compartment 134 to firstcompartment 132. Launchable body 112 may be shaken while launchable bodyis positioned nose-up to ensure the water is substantially transferredfrom second compartment 134 to first compartment 134.

Launchable body 112 may be set on a surface. Actuator 156 and delaymechanism 158 may engage when launchable body 112 is set on the surface,as shown in FIG. 9.

Launchable body 112 may be rolled in a forward direction FD along asurface. FIG. 9 shows the rotation of back axle 124 as launchable body112 is rolled along a surface in a forward direction FD. The rotation ofback wheels 122 along the surface may rotate back axle 124 and actuatorengager 168. The rotation of actuator engager 168 may rotate actuator156 toward the actuating position.

FIG. 10 shows that actuator 156 may be rotated from a starting positionor a predetermined starting position towards the actuating positionwhile launchable body 112 is rolling in a forward direction FD. Coveringmechanism 130 may remain in the second position during some intervalafter launchable body 112 is launched. Covering mechanism 130 may remainin the second position during some interval while launchable body 112 ismoving.

FIG. 11 shows that at some interval after launch and while launchablebody 112 is moving, actuator 156 may move into the actuating position.Actuator 156 may move into the actuating position while launchable body112 is moving in a forward direction FD′. Covering mechanism 130 maymove to the second position. Lever engager 164 may move lever 142 to thesecond position. Lever 142 may be released or disengaged from plug 140.Plug 140 may be released from opening 128. Pressurized fluid F may bepropelled through opening 128. The release of pressurized fluid F mayact as an energy source, providing a propulsion boost for launchablebody 112.

Launchable body 112 may be lifted from the surface. Back wheels 122 maybe disengaged from the surface when launchable body 112 is lifted, asshown in dashed lines in FIG. 8. Axle biasing mechanism 184 may urgedelay mechanism 158 to disengage from actuator 156, as shown in FIG. 13.In turn, setter biasing mechanism 186 may urge actuator 156 towards thepredetermined starting position. Stopper 166 may rotate with actuator156 as actuator 156 is being urged towards the predetermined startingposition. Setter tab 182 of actuator setter 160 156 may stop and holdstopper 166. Setter tab 182 may hold actuator 156 in the predeterminedstarting position.

Actuator setter 160 may be set when launchable body 112 is lifted fromthe surface. Actuator 156 may be set to a predetermined startingposition using actuator setter 160.

The present disclosure encompasses other embodiments. In someembodiments, the delay mechanism may include at least one delay button.The at least one delay button may be positioned so a user can hold theactuator out of the actuating position without using a launcher. The atleast one button may have a depressed position and be biased towards areleased position. In the depressed position, the button(s) may hold theactuator in a starting position while the button(s) is being held by auser. In the released position, the button(s) may disengage from theactuator, allowing the actuator to move to the engaging position. Thebutton(s) may be configured to move from a starting position to thereleasing position after a delay. Once the button(s) is released, thebutton(s) may move after a delay from a starting position to thereleased position, thereby releasing the actuator. The delay may beafter a launch. The delay may be while the launchable body is moving orin flight.

In some embodiments, the delay mechanism or the dampener may functionlike those typically found in music boxes. As such, the delay mechanismmay be a time-delayed, spring-loaded, constant-speed delayed releasemechanism.

In some embodiments, such as a double-airplane or a double-rocket, alaunchable body (e.g., a first rocket or airplane) may be releasablycoupled to a launchable member (e.g., a second rocket or airplane) sothat the body carries the member for a certain distance after a launch.The body may be configured to release pressurized fluid in a chamber asdescribed in other embodiments. The body may also include a hollow tubein fluid communication with the chamber through which the pressurizedfluid may be released. The member may include a hollow fuselage sized toreceive the hollow tube of the body. After a delay or an interval, thebody may release pressurized fluid through the hollow tube. The membermay speed away from the body. The delay may occur after launch. Thedelay may occur while the body and the member are moving or are inflight. The body and the member may be shaped like an airplane, arocket, a car, or any other form or combination desired.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multipledistinct inventions with independent utility. While each of theseinventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specificembodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to beconsidered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. Thesubject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obviouscombinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features,functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where any claimrecites “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claimshould be understood to include incorporation of one or more suchelements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Inventions embodied in various combinations and subcombinations offeatures, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed throughpresentation of new claims in a related application. Such new claims,whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to thesame invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scopeto the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subjectmatter of the inventions of the present disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The methods and apparatus described in the present disclosure areapplicable to toys, games, and other devices, and industries in whichamusement devices are used.

1. A toy vehicle for launching, the toy vehicle comprising: a body witha chamber having an opening; a covering mechanism disposed adjacent thechamber, the covering mechanism biased to a first position to cover theopening, wherein the chamber releasably holds fluid under pressure, andfurther wherein the covering mechanism is movable to a second positionfor allowing fluid to be propelled from the chamber through the opening;an actuator disposed adjacent the covering mechanism, the actuatoroperable for translational movement between a starting position and anactuating position, the actuator in the starting position allowing thecovering mechanism to remain in the first position, and further whereinthe actuator is translationally operable to the actuating position tomove the covering mechanism to the second position; and a delaymechanism operatively coupled to the actuator, the delay mechanismconfigured to move the actuator to the actuating position after a delay.2. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the covering mechanism includes aplug disposed adjacent the chamber for covering the opening, and a leverdisposed adjacent the plug, the lever biased towards a first positionfor holding the plug to cover the opening and movable to a secondposition for releasing the plug to allow fluid to be propelled from thechamber through the opening.
 3. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein thecovering mechanism further includes a fluid inlet valve.
 4. The toyvehicle of claim 1, wherein the actuator is operable for translationalmovement under a biasing force.
 5. The toy vehicle of claim 1, whereinthe actuator is configured to be held in the starting position andreleased at a predetermined time.
 6. The toy vehicle of claim 1, furthercomprising a holder, wherein the holder holds the actuator in thestarting position.
 7. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the delaymechanism is configured to move the covering mechanism to the secondposition after the toy vehicle is launched.
 8. The toy vehicle of claim1, wherein the delay mechanism is configured to move the coveringmechanism to the second position while the toy vehicle is moving.
 9. Thetoy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the delay mechanism is configured tomove the covering mechanism to the second position while the toy vehicleis in flight.
 10. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the delaymechanism includes a dampener to control the translational movement ofthe actuator.
 11. The toy vehicle of claim 10, wherein the dampenercontrols the translational movement of the actuator at a substantiallyconstant rate.
 12. The toy vehicle of claim 10, wherein the dampenerincludes a pinion operatively coupled to a rack on the actuator.
 13. Thetoy vehicle of claim 1, wherein the chamber includes a first compartmentin fluid communication with the opening, and a second compartment influid communication with the first compartment at an aperture.
 14. Thetoy vehicle of claim 13, wherein the aperture is positioned higher thanthe opening when the launchable body is positioned for launching. 15.The toy vehicle of claim 13, wherein the second compartment isconfigured to hold substantially gas under pressure and the firstcompartment is configured to hold substantially liquid under pressure,and further wherein the first compartment and the second compartment areconfigured to allow substantially all of the liquid to be propelled fromthe chamber through the opening before substantially all of the gas ispropelled through the opening.
 16. The toy vehicle of claim 1, furthercomprising: a first holding member mounted to the body; and anelastomeric band for engaging the holding member so the band can bestretched to a predetermined position and released causing theprojectile toy to launch.
 17. The toy vehicle of claim 1, wherein thetoy vehicle is a toy car.
 18. The toy vehicle of claim 1, furthercomprising at least two fins mounted to the body, the fins arranged forflying.
 19. The toy vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a hollow tubein communication with the chamber, wherein the hollow tube is configuredto release the pressurized fluid after the actuator moves to theactuating position.
 20. The toy vehicle of claim 19, further comprisinga launchable member operatively connected to the hollow tube, thelaunchable member being released from the launchable body after therelease of the pressurized fluid through the hollow tube.
 21. A toyvehicle for launching, the toy vehicle comprising: a body with a chamberhaving an opening; a plug disposed adjacent the chamber for covering theopening; a lever disposed adjacent the plug, the lever biased towards afirst position for holding the plug to cover the opening, wherein thechamber releasably holds fluid under pressure, and further wherein thelever is movable to a second position for releasing the plug to allowfluid to be propelled from the chamber through the opening; and anactuator disposed adjacent the covering mechanism, the actuator operablefor movement between a starting position and an actuating position, theactuator in the starting position allowing the covering mechanism toremain in the first position, and further wherein the actuator isoperable to the actuating position to move the covering mechanism to thesecond position; and a delay mechanism operatively coupled to theactuator, the delay mechanism configured to move the actuator to theactuating position after a delay.
 22. The toy vehicle of claim 21,wherein the actuator is operable for movement under a biasing force. 23.The toy vehicle of claim 21, wherein the actuator is operable fortranslational movement.
 24. The toy vehicle of claim 21, wherein theactuator is configured to be held in the starting position and releasedat a predetermined time.
 25. The toy vehicle of claim 21, furthercomprising a holder, wherein the holder holds the actuator in thestarting position.
 26. The toy vehicle of claim 21, wherein the delaymechanism is configured to move the covering mechanism to the secondposition after the toy vehicle is launched.
 27. The toy vehicle of claim21, wherein the delay mechanism is configured to move the coveringmechanism to the second position while the toy vehicle is moving. 28.The toy vehicle of claim 21, wherein the delay mechanism is configuredto move the covering mechanism to the second position while the toyvehicle is in flight.
 29. The toy vehicle of claim 21, wherein the delaymechanism includes a dampener to control the movement of the actuator.30. The toy vehicle of claim 29, wherein the dampener controls themovement of the actuator at a substantially constant rate.
 31. The toyvehicle of claim 29, wherein the dampener includes a pinion operativelycoupled to a rack on the actuator.
 32. The toy vehicle of claim 21,further comprising: a first holding member mounted to the body; and anelastomeric band for engaging the holding member so the band can bestretched to a predetermined position and released causing theprojectile toy to launch.
 33. The toy vehicle of claim 21, wherein thetoy vehicle is a toy car.
 34. The toy vehicle of claim 21, furthercomprising at least two fins mounted to the body, the fins arranged forflying.
 35. The toy vehicle of claim 21, further comprising a hollowtube in communication with the chamber, wherein the hollow tube isconfigured to release the pressurized fluid after the actuator moves tothe actuating position.
 36. The toy vehicle of claim 35, furthercomprising a launchable member operatively connected to the hollow tube,the launchable member being released from the launchable body after therelease of the pressurized fluid through the hollow tube.
 37. Aprojectile toy comprising: a body with a chamber having a front portionand an opening; a first holding member connected near the front portion;an elastomeric band for engaging the first holding member so the bandcan be stretched to a predetermined position and released causing theprojectile toy to launch; a covering mechanism disposed adjacent thechamber, the covering mechanism biased to a first position to cover theopening, wherein the chamber releasably holds fluid under pressure, andfurther wherein the covering mechanism is movable to a second positionfor allowing fluid to be propelled from the chamber through the opening,and further wherein the covering mechanism has a fluid inlet valve; anactuator disposed adjacent the covering mechanism, the actuator operablefor movement between a starting position and an actuating position, theactuator in the starting position allowing the covering mechanism toremain in the first position, and further wherein the actuator isoperable to the actuating position to move the covering mechanism to thesecond position; a delay mechanism operatively coupled to the actuator,the delay mechanism configured to move the actuator to the actuatingposition after a delay; and a launcher disposed adjacent the chamber,the launcher having a pump and a launch mechanism, wherein the pumpcouples to the fluid inlet valve for pressurizing the chamber, andfurther wherein the launch mechanism is operable from a first holdingposition for holding the actuator in the starting position and movableto a second releasing position to release the chamber for launch by theelastomeric band.
 38. The toy vehicle of claim 37, wherein the coveringmechanism includes a plug disposed adjacent the chamber for covering theopening, and a lever disposed adjacent the plug, the lever biasedtowards a first position for holding the plug to cover the opening andmovable to a second position for releasing the plug to allow fluid to bepropelled from the chamber through the opening.
 39. The toy vehicle ofclaim 37, wherein the actuator is operable for movement under a biasingforce.
 40. The toy vehicle of claim 37, wherein the actuator is operablefor translational movement.
 41. The toy vehicle of claim 37 wherein theactuator has at least two starting positions.
 42. The toy vehicle ofclaim 37, wherein the actuator is configured to be held in the startingposition and released at a predetermined time.
 43. The projectile toy ofclaim 42, wherein the launch mechanism includes a holder for holding theactuator in the starting position.
 44. The toy vehicle of claim 37,wherein the delay mechanism is configured to move the covering mechanismto the second position after the toy vehicle is launched.
 45. The toyvehicle of claim 37, wherein the delay mechanism is configured to movethe covering mechanism to the second position while the toy vehicle ismoving.
 46. The toy vehicle of claim 37, wherein the delay mechanism isconfigured to move the covering mechanism to the second position whilethe toy vehicle is in flight.
 47. The toy vehicle of claim 37, whereinthe delay mechanism includes a dampener to control the movement of theactuator.
 48. The toy vehicle of claim 47, wherein the dampener controlsthe movement of the actuator at a substantially constant rate.
 49. Thetoy vehicle of claim 47, wherein the dampener includes a pinionoperatively coupled to a rack on the actuator.
 50. The projectile toy ofclaim 37, wherein the launch mechanism includes a trigger biased to holdthe chamber and movable to a position for releasing the chamber forlaunch by the elastomeric band.
 51. The toy vehicle of claim 37, whereinthe chamber includes a first compartment in fluid communication with theopening, and a second compartment in fluid communication with the firstcompartment at an aperture.
 52. The toy vehicle of claim 51, wherein theaperture is positioned higher than the opening relative to the openingwhen the launchable body is positioned for launching.
 53. The toyvehicle of claim 51, wherein the second compartment is configured tohold substantially gas under pressure and the first compartment isconfigured to hold substantially liquid under pressure, and furtherwherein the first compartment and the second compartment are configuredto allow substantially all of the liquid to be propelled from thechamber through the opening before substantially all of the gas ispropelled through the opening.
 54. The toy vehicle of claim 37, whereinthe toy vehicle is a toy car.
 55. The toy vehicle of claim 37, furthercomprising at least two fins mounted to the body, the fins arranged forflying.
 56. The toy vehicle of claim 37, further comprising a hollowtube in communication with the chamber, wherein the hollow tube isconfigured to release the pressurized fluid after the actuator moves tothe actuating position.
 57. The toy vehicle of claim 56, furthercomprising a launchable member operatively connected to the hollow tube,the launchable member being released from the launchable body after therelease of the pressurized fluid through the hollow tube.
 58. A wheeledtoy vehicle operable for movement on a surface, the toy vehiclecomprising: a body with a chamber having an opening; a coveringmechanism disposed adjacent the chamber, the covering mechanism biasedto a first position to cover the opening, wherein the chamber releasablyholds fluid under pressure, and further wherein the covering mechanismis movable to a second position for allowing fluid to be propelled fromthe chamber through the opening; and an actuator disposed adjacent thecovering mechanism, the actuator operable for movement in response tomovement of the vehicle between a starting position and an actuatingposition, the actuator in the starting position allowing the coveringmechanism to remain in the first position, and further wherein theactuator is operable to the actuating position to move the coveringmechanism to the second position.
 59. The toy vehicle of claim 58,further comprising a delay mechanism operatively coupled to theactuator, the delay mechanism configured to move the actuator inresponse to movement of the vehicle to move the actuator to theactuating position after an interval.
 60. The toy vehicle of claim 59,wherein the delay mechanism is a worm and the actuator is a worm wheel.61. The toy vehicle of claim 59, wherein the interval for movementoccurs after the launchable body is launched.
 62. The toy vehicle ofclaim 59, wherein the interval for movement occurs while the launchablebody is moving.
 63. The toy vehicle of claim 58, further comprising atleast one wheel operatively coupled to the actuator so that the actuatormoves as the at least one wheel rotates.
 64. The toy vehicle of claim63, wherein the actuator is mounted for rotation about a vertical axisas the at least one wheel rotatably moves about a horizontal axis. 65.The toy vehicle of claim 63, wherein the actuator is configured to moveonly when the at least one wheel rotates in one direction.
 66. The toyvehicle of claim 63, wherein the actuator is biased towards a settingposition and movable to an operable position, the actuator in thesetting position allowing the actuator to move to the starting position,and the actuator in the operable position operable for movement inresponse to movement of the vehicle between the starting position andthe actuating position.
 67. The toy vehicle of claim 66, wherein theactuator in the setting position is biased towards the startingposition.
 68. The toy vehicle of claim 58, wherein the chamber includesa first compartment in fluid communication with the opening, and asecond compartment in fluid communication with the first compartment atan aperture.
 69. The toy vehicle of claim 68, wherein the aperture ispositioned higher than the opening relative to the opening when thelaunchable body is positioned for launching.
 70. The toy vehicle ofclaim 68, wherein the second compartment is configured to holdsubstantially gas under pressure and the first compartment is configuredto hold substantially liquid under pressure, and further wherein thefirst compartment and the second compartment are configured to allowsubstantially all of the liquid to be propelled from the chamber throughthe opening before substantially all of the gas is propelled through theopening.
 71. The toy vehicle of claim 58, wherein the covering mechanismfurther includes a fluid inlet valve.
 72. The toy vehicle of claim 58,wherein the toy vehicle is a toy car.
 73. The toy vehicle of claim 58,wherein the actuator has at least two starting positions.
 74. A wheeledtoy vehicle operable for movement on a surface, comprising: at least onewheel mounted to the vehicle, wherein the at least one wheel isrotatable on the surface to move the toy vehicle; and an actuatoroperatively coupled to the at least one wheel, the actuator biasedtowards a setting position and movable to an operable position, theactuator in the setting position releasing from the at least one wheelto allow the actuator to move to a starting position, and the actuatorin the operable position operable for movement in response to movementof the vehicle between the starting position and an actuating position75. The toy vehicle of claim 74, wherein the actuator in the settingposition is biased towards the starting position.
 76. The toy vehicle ofclaim 74, wherein the actuator in the operable position is operablycoupled to the at least one wheel, the actuator movable as the at leastone wheel rotates.
 77. The toy vehicle of claim 76, wherein the actuatoris mounted for rotation about a vertical axis as the at least one wheelrotatably moves about a horizontal axis.
 78. The toy vehicle of claim76, wherein the actuator is configured to move only when the at leastone wheel rotates in one direction.
 79. The toy vehicle of claim 74,further comprising: a body with a chamber having an opening; and acovering mechanism disposed adjacent the chamber and the actuator, thecovering mechanism biased to a covering position to cover the opening,wherein the chamber releasably holds fluid under pressure, and furtherwherein the actuator in the engaging position moves the coveringmechanism to a releasing position for releasing the covering mechanismto allow fluid to be propelled from the chamber through the opening. 80.The toy vehicle of claim 74, wherein the actuator has at least twostarting positions.
 81. A toy vehicle for launching, the toy vehiclecomprising: a power source; a covering mechanism disposed adjacent thechamber, the covering mechanism having a first position to releasablyhold the power source, and further wherein the covering mechanism ismovable to a second position for releasing the power source; an actuatordisposed adjacent the body, the actuator operable for movement operablefor movement under a biasing force between a starting position and anactuating position, the actuator in the starting position allowing thecovering mechanism to remain in the first position, and further whereinthe actuator is operable to the actuating position to move the coveringmechanism to the second position; and a dampener operatively coupled tothe actuator, the dampener configured to control the movement of theactuator between a starting position and the actuating position under adelay.
 82. The toy vehicle of claim 81, wherein the power source ispressurized fluid.
 83. The toy vehicle of claim 81, wherein the dampenercontrols the movement of the actuator at a substantially constant rate.84. The toy vehicle of claim 81, wherein the dampener includes a pinionoperatively coupled to a rack on the actuator.
 85. The toy vehicle ofclaim 81, wherein the dampener is configured to move the coveringmechanism to the second position after the toy vehicle is launched. 86.The toy vehicle of claim 81, wherein the dampener is configured to movethe covering mechanism to the second position while the toy vehicle ismoving.
 87. The toy vehicle of claim 81, wherein the dampener isconfigured to move the covering mechanism to the second position whilethe toy vehicle is in flight.
 88. The toy vehicle of claim 81, whereinthe actuator is configured to be held in the starting position andreleased at a predetermined time.
 89. The toy vehicle of claim 81,further comprising a holder, wherein the holder holds the actuator inthe starting position.
 90. The toy vehicle of claim 81, furthercomprising: a first holding member mounted to the body; and anelastomeric band for engaging the holding member so the band can bestretched to a predetermined position and released causing theprojectile toy to launch.
 91. The toy vehicle of claim 81, wherein thecovering mechanism further includes a fluid inlet valve.
 92. The toyvehicle of claim 81, wherein the toy vehicle is a toy car.
 93. The toyvehicle of claim 81, further comprising at least two fins mounted to thebody, the fins arranged for flying.
 94. The toy vehicle of claim 81,further comprising a hollow tube in communication with the chamber,wherein the hollow tube is configured to release the pressurized fluidafter the actuator moves to the actuating position.
 95. The toy vehicleof claim 81, further comprising a launchable member operativelyconnected to the hollow tube, the launchable member being released fromthe launchable body after the release of the pressurized fluid throughthe hollow tube.